What is a dyslexia assessment?
A full diagnostic assessment is a specialist, one-to-one assessment that shows whether someone has dyslexia and explains how they learn. I assess children and young people aged 8 to 25, from primary school through to college, university and work.
Before the assessment
Once you’ve booked and your deposit has been received, I send out background questionnaires. For children, these are completed by parents and school. For older students and young adults, they’re completed by you and, where relevant, your college. Please return them at least 2 weeks before the assessment, so I understand the whole picture.
The person being assessed needs to have had a sight test in the last 12 months, and to have been speaking English regularly for at least 7 years.
What happens at the assessment?
I work one-to-one with the person being assessed, using a series of structured activities. These look at:
- verbal and visual reasoning
- working memory and processing speed
- phonological awareness (how sounds in words are processed)
- reading, writing and spelling
How long does it take?
The assessment usually takes 2 to 4 hours, with plenty of short breaks. It takes place in a calm, quiet room in Leigh-on-Sea. Assessments take place in school time, with evenings and weekends available for students and those in work.
It’s not a test anyone can fail. Most children find the activities feel more like puzzles and word games, and I keep things as relaxed as possible.
What happens next?
You’ll receive a full written report within 3–4 weeks. It clearly states whether dyslexia has been identified, explains strengths and areas of difficulty, and gives practical recommendations for home, school, college, university or work.
If you’d like to talk it through, you can request a 20-minute follow-up call, by phone or video.
What does it cost?
A full diagnostic assessment costs £600. This includes the assessment, the full written report and a 20-minute follow-up call if you’d like one. A £150 deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 7 days before the assessment. Full details are in my Terms and Conditions.
If you’d like to talk through whether an assessment is right, please send an enquiry or email rosie@dyslexiadiscovery.org. If you’d prefer a phone call, include your number and a good time to call.
